Sony’ next generation gaming console, the PlayStation 5, is expected to be released by the year 2018. We had to wait seven years for Sony to release the current gen PS4, but that doesn’t seem like the case with PS5.

A gaming console usually has a shelf life of about 5-7 years, after which they become obsolete. You cannot upgrade the processor or GPU of a game console, which is why they have to be future-proof when released.

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The PlayStation 4 has only been around for about 2 years now and there have already been talks and rumour about the PS5. There isn’t much known about the PS5 as of now, but we do know that it’s going to be something different.

Some reports suggest that Sony might ditch the CD drive and go all Cloud based for the PS5. This would make the console lighter and slimmer. It’s still all just rumours, besides, game collectors would rather prefer a boxed game than a downloadable version.

AMD, who manufactures the processors and graphics chipsets for the PlayStation 4, stated that the PS5 will be 5 times more powerful. The new console will also be more focused on PSN and Virtual Reality gaming. The graphics will at least have to be 4K compatible, as by the year 2020, everything will be 4K or more.

President of Sony, Shuhei Yoshida, said in an interview with Recode that the future of the PS5 is in the hands of the developers. If they want more performance and graphics, Sony will have to provide.

“It is really up to the game creators, if they still feel that we need more machine power – ‘We want to realize this and that and that, but we cannot do it with PS4’ – if that is the case, there is a good reason to have PS5. So that developers can create their vision. So, we will see.”

Developers would obviously want a more powerful console, to match gaming PC’s, so they can create games with better graphics.

PlayStation 5 Release Date

It is possible that the PlayStation 5 could see a pre-2020 release date, even as soon as 2018. However, since the PS4 was released 7 years after the PS3, we can’t really place bets on Sony’ timeline.

The PlayStation 5 would also be priced lower than the PS4, if the company decides to let go of the CD drive. Or it could even be as small as the Apple TV!